The workshop opened with remarks from Professor Hiroki Tanikawa, Dean of GSES, who drew a natural parallel between the school’s interdisciplinary approach, which integrates environmental, social, and cultural dimensions, and the very nature of watershed management, pointing to the Kiso River Basin as an example. He emphasized the importance of collaboration of various local governments in watershed areas, the role of coordinated governance, shared vision, and inter-municipal cooperation in achieving effective watershed management.

This was followed by the presentation of Dr. Charles John Gunay of University of the Philippines Los Baños, School of Environmental Science and Management (UPLB SESAM), on the use of modeling tools for flood and sediment risk assessment. Using case studies such as the Santa Rosa–Silang Watershed and the Ogouchi Dam Watershed, he demonstrated how simulations can identify erosion, sediment transport, and high-risk areas. He also shared insights from a -funded project and emphasized the importance of translating technical results into actionable information for decision-makers and communities through participatory approaches.

Ms. Lemuelle Celis of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) presented the current state of watershed management in the Philippines, highlighting challenges such as overlapping institutional mandates, watershed degradation, and increasing climate vulnerability. She also outlined ongoing initiatives, including improved monitoring systems, integrated management planning, and conservation efforts, while noting the need for greater capacity-building and financial support.

Dr. Taichi Minamitani of JICA discussed the JICA’s approach to flood control in the Philippines, emphasizing the need for proactive investments in disaster risk reduction amid rising economic losses. He outlined strategies to strengthen governance and infrastructure, highlighting long-term efforts in Metro Manila such as river widening and flood diversion. He also noted key challenges in flood control, including limited upstream storage, insufficient river capacity, and urban pressures, underscoring the importance of integrated and forward-looking flood protection planning.

The panel discussion, moderated by Professor Kiichiro Hayashi of Graduate School of Engineering, explored the vital roles of academia, government, non-government and international institutions in addressing the challenges on watershed management. Ms. Celis and Mr. Yamada emphasized the critical role of coordination with local government units and various sectors, as well as the importance of effective data-sharing mechanisms in achieving integrated watershed management. Mr. Yamada also noted that in developing countries, where local capacities may be limited, international cooperation can play a vital role in strengthening watershed management efforts.

Dr. Gunay emphasized the need for improved instrumentation and monitoring in watershed management as a key area for future research. He highlighted the role of academia in providing technical capacity, scientific data, and mentoring, and noted that collaboration between institutions such as University of the Philippines Los Baños and ���ϳԹ��� can help bridge gaps between technical and non-technical stakeholders, particularly in strengthening government capacity.

Dr. Minamitani emphasized that JICA expects him to promote sustainable river basin management by fostering an understanding of the importance of flood control measures and encouraging relevant organizations to change their behavior. He also called on the academic community to focus not on developing a variety of models, but on producing outputs that contribute to changing the behavior of relevant organizations, so that they can tackle flood control from a scientific perspective with a view to supporting development in each country. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening Japan-Philippines collaboration, improving stakeholder coordination, and building on the Philippines’ strengths in disaster risk reduction and watershed management.

Mr. Toru Uemachi, Director General of JICA Chubu concluded the workshop by expressing appreciation to all participants and highlighting the event as a starting point for broader collaboration, including cross-learning on watershed management between Japan and the Philippines. He reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to supporting joint initiatives and encouraged continued dialogue and partnership between stakeholders from both countries.

Held on March 16-17, 2026, the two-day workshop highlighted the growing importance of bamboo as a versatile and renewable resource with wide-ranging applications in energy, construction, and environmental management. It also served as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, enabling participants to identify shared challenges and explore opportunities for joint research and innovation between Japan and the Philippines.

Technology, innovation, and opportunities in bamboo research

Session 1 took place on March 16 at the Environmental Studies Hall on the Higashiyama Campus. Researchers from both countries exchanged insights and experiences, followed by a panel discussion on potential areas for collaboration.

Professor Hiroki Tanikawa, Dean of the Graduate School of Environmental Studies, opened the session by stressing the importance of greater collaborative research on bamboo as a strategic resource for sustainable development.

Associate Professor Masahiro Nagao of ���ϳԹ��� led off the presentation, introducing innovative work on utilizing bamboo as a source of hydrogen and methanol through electrolysis, as well as the application of LiDAR technologies for bamboo forest monitoring in Japan.

Representing the Philippine perspective on bamboo as a renewable energy source, Dr. Anniver Ryan Lapuz of the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philippines, then presented research on bamboo pellet production and densification technologies as possible source of bioenergy. The presentation detailed the process of converting bamboo into pellets, including collection, drying, and processing methods, with energy density calculations showing comparable results to rice straw.

Associate Professor Hiroaki Shirakawa of ���ϳԹ��� discussed the social and economic value of bamboo, including the potential for carbon credits through bamboo biochar production. He concluded that while carbon credits alone cannot cover management costs, a comprehensive evaluation of bamboo utilization must consider both economic and social benefits, such as the need for better database management and life cycle assessment of bamboo products.

Ms. Aralyn Quintos of DOST-FPRDI presented their research on bamboo durability and thermal modification techniques, finding that thermally modified bamboo with polyurethane coatings showed superior durability compared to untreated bamboo. She also discussed the evolving bamboo industry in the Philippines, from traditional uses to modern applications in construction, furniture, and engineered bamboo products. The presentation concluded with an overview of the DOST-FPRDI’s R&D Roadmap for 2025-2032, focusing on transitioning from basic property evaluation to advanced industrial applications and establishing a circular bioeconomy.

The presentations were followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Marianne Faith G. Martinico-Perez of the Asian Satellite Campuses Institute (ASCI) and GSES. The discussion underscored the challenges in bamboo sourcing and processing technologies, as well as the complementary strengths of Japan and the Philippines: Japan’s expertise in advanced technologies and material science, and the Philippines’ strong foundation in bamboo resources and applied research.

Several priority areas for collaboration were identified, including leveraging the advanced laboratory facilities and analytical techniques available at ���ϳԹ��� for the characterization of Philippine bamboo species; the joint development of low-cost, environmentally friendly adhesives for engineered bamboo; the design and transfer of affordable processing technologies and machinery; and collaborative research on life cycle assessment (LCA) and socio-economic impacts.

In his closing remarks, Professor Akira Yamauchi, Director of the Asian Collaborative Development Department of ���ϳԹ���, emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration and expressed optimism about strengthening partnerships with Philippine institutions.

Field-based learning and technology demonstration

Session 2 was held on March 17 at the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens for hands-on, field-based learning activities. The session showcased various bamboo species found in Japan and offered demonstrations on the application of advanced tools and methodologies, such as the use of LiDAR technologies for bamboo forest monitoring and non-destructive techniques for bamboo species characterization.

The workshop reaffirmed a shared commitment between ���ϳԹ��� and its Philippine partners to advance bamboo as a key resource for sustainable development, climate action, and inclusive economic growth through joint research, technology development, and capacity-building initiatives.

Held in the Environmental Studies Building lecture hall, the workshop aimed to strengthen information exchange between Nagoya and Mongolia while identifying opportunities for future collaboration and capacity building. Prof. Hiroki Tanikawa, Dean of the Graduate School of Environmental Studies, opened the proceedings.

Professor Yasuhiro Suzuki led off the presentations with an overview of ���ϳԹ���’s two decades of earthquake resilience research in Mongolia. Central to this work has been the establishment of community-based disaster prevention programs modelled on Japanese practices. Looking ahead, Prof. Suzuki highlighted emerging partnerships with Uzbekistan that seek to extend Japanese disaster research methodologies into Central Asia.

Building on the theme of environmental hazards, Professor Masato Shinoda turned the discussion to dzud—a severe winter disaster characterized by extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and icy conditions that prevent livestock from grazing. Dzud events cause mass animal deaths and devastating economic losses for herding communities. These disasters are often compounded by preceding summer droughts that leave livestock weakened before winter sets in.

Prof. Shinoda detailed his team’s multi-pronged approach to the problem, which includes village-scale pasture capacity mapping, multi-hazard risk assessments that integrate drought, dust storms, and winter severity, and long-term sustainability modelling for Mongolia’s herding society. Notably, this research now underpins early warning systems deployed by the Mongolian government and international aid organizations.

The workshop also featured perspectives from two Mongolian government officials currently pursuing graduate studies at ���ϳԹ��� through the Transnational Doctoral Programs for Leading Professionals in Asian Countries of ���ϳԹ��� Asian Satellite Campuses Institute (NU ASCI). Mr. Zorig Tuvdendorj of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) outlined his country’s disaster risk management framework, tracing NEMA’s organizational evolution and explaining how Mongolia’s policies align with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. He also described the coordination mechanisms that link national, regional, and local authorities.

Following Mr. Tuvdendorj, Mr. Tulga Mendjargal of the Biodiversity and Adaptation to Climate Change Project shifted focus to urban environmental issues. His research examines vehicle lifespans, material stocks in the construction and transportation sectors, and the potential for circular economy practices in Ulaanbaatar.

Rounding out the program, Mr. Takatoyo Yamamoto, the Project Formulation Officer of JICA Mongolia presented ongoing cooperative projects to build resilient communities and promote environmental sustainability.

A panel discussion moderated by Prof. Tanikawa then gave panelists the opportunity to explore common themes and future directions. Prof. Suzuki recommended that GSES continuously explore opportunities to conduct research in Mongolia. Prof. Shinoda emphasized the importance of a long-term research perspective, highlighting the need to integrate the concept of “sustainability” into research activities. Access to available data, both from intensive research projects and from Mongolian government agencies, was also discussed. Mr. Yamamoto noted that JICA Mongolia has been supporting a major initiative aimed at integrating existing datasets in Mongolia. Furthermore, the discussion underscored the importance of building strong human connections to foster trust and facilitate mutual learning.

Mr. Takashi Nishimura, Deputy Director General of JICA Chubu delivered the closing remarks, where he emphasized the commitment of JICA Chubu to advance its cooperative relationship with ���ϳԹ���.

Event supported by GCoM Japan secretariat at ���ϳԹ���

The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) awarded badges to eight municipalities in Japan during a ceremony on September 23, 2025. The event was held at the European Union (EU) Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, under the auspices of the Japan-EU Green Alliance. ���ϳԹ��� serves as the secretariat for the Japanese branch of the organization, GCoM Japan.

The ceremony was attended by leaders of the eight municipalities that were awarded a badge for compliance (Kamishihoro and Yoichi in Hokkaido; Tomiya in Miyagi Prefecture; Yamagata in Gifu Prefecture; Okazaki, Ichinomiya, and Obu in Aichi Prefecture; and Sakaide in Kagawa Prefecture), as well as representatives from the delegation of the European Union to Japan. The badge for compliance is awarded to municipalities that have been officially recognized by the global secretariat in Brussels as having completed all three stages of both the climate change mitigation measures (inventory assessment, target setting, and planning) and adaptation measures (risk and vulnerability assessment, target setting, and planning).

At the beginning of the ceremony, ���ϳԹ��� Associate Professor Feifan Xu and Designated Professor Noriko Sugiyama, the Secretariat for GCoM Japan, gave an explanation about the purpose of the ceremony.

Jean-Eric Paquet, Ambassador of the EU to Japan, then spoke about the urgency of climate change measures, emphasizing the importance of municipalities continuing to take the lead role. Additionally, Naoko Hamashima, Director of the Office for Regional Decarbonization Policy at the Ministry of the Environment, expressed her hope that municipalities would promote the creation of “regional circular and ecological spheres” together with the people living in their communities.

At the main event of the day, the badge conferral ceremony, Ambassador Paquet presented the badges of compliance to the leaders of the municipalities. The awardees took to the stage and introduced the climate policies that their regions are focusing on, such as the “leading decarbonization regions” initiative, and expressed their determination to make use of this network to further accelerate their efforts.

In addition, Margot Roose, a Deputy Mayor of Tallinn, Estonia, spoke about her experience of when Tallinn was selected as the European Green Capital in 2023, and Professor Albert Edman from the Swedish National Research Institute (RISE) delivered a speech on green transformation in European cities.

At the end of the ceremony, Andreas Roettger, Head of the Asia-Pacific Regional Team in the EU Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, and ���ϳԹ��� Professor Hiroki Tanikawa, Dean of the Graduate School of Environmental Studies, where the GCoM Japan office is located, stated that they would continue to support the creation of sustainable and resilient communities in collaboration with local governments and civil society.